Courtesy Pixabay
By Hannah Hollingsworth
Numbers on the scale and the charts are skyrocketing as the global obesity problem soars to new heights.
According to a report released Thursday, 30 per cent of the world’s population, or 2.1 billion people, is obese. The World Health Organization reported that 3.4 million people die from obesity each year. This is the first time death from obesity is in the same numeric league as death from smoking and alcohol consumption.
This complex issue is preventable but also presents a unique set of challenges that experts say involve nutritional education and physical activity. The study says lack of portion control and the availability of unhealthy or sugary foods are the biggest factors in avoiding obesity.
The global cost of health care increases every year. Here’s what these epidemics are costing worldwide.
Data source: World Health Organization